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RAGA, SEP 19: The Raga Press Club (RPC) on Saturday formally joined the Arunachal Press Club (APC) as the fifth officially affiliated press club in the state, marking a significant milestone for the journalists’ body in Kamle district. The RPC was formally inaugurated at Raga, the headquarters of Kamle district, nearly two years after it was established by a group of working journalists led by Biku Aka. The club was formed to bring journalists in the district under a common platform and promote responsible and ethical journalism. The affiliation with the APC provides journalists in Kamle with a formal link to the state’s apex press body. Congratulating the RPC, APC president Amar Sangno urged its members to uphold professional ethics and follow the guidelines of the Press Council of India. “We must always question ourselves on how to maintain ethical journalism without hurting the sentiments of society,” Sangno said. He said district-level journalism carries greater responsibility as local journalists often serve as a bridge between the people, administration and the wider public. He also urged the Kamle administration to route information concerning the district through the RPC for wider dissemination and assured the club of APC’s support in protecting the rights and interests of working journalists. Arunachal Pradesh Union of Working Journalists (APUWJ) president Dodum Yangfo assured continued support to the RPC and called upon journalists to report the truth without fear while maintaining sensitivity and responsibility. Kamle Deputy Commissioner J T Obi assured the club of a suitable plot of land for construction of a permanent press club building and necessary administrative support. Addressing journalists from the eight affiliated media houses, Obi stressed the need for truthful and public-interest reporting and cautioned against misinformation, partiality and undue influence. RPC president Biku Aka recalled the club’s journey from its modest beginnings and highlighted the growth of journalism in Kamle district.  

Manoj Singh ITANAGAR, SEP 19: Itanagar Capital Complex MLA Techi Kaso, along with Capital Deputy Commissioner Toko Babu and officials of various departments, inspected several infrastructure projects and public facilities in different parts of the city on Saturday and raised concern over the delay in completion of the under-construction Senkhi View Bridge. Kaso was accompanied by PWD Executive Engineers from Capital Divisions A and B, Education Department officials, Itanagar Municipal Corporation (IMC) corporators and ward members during the inspection of Government School at Mowb-II, Government Secondary School Chimpu, Division-IV Colony and Abo Tani Colony. The MLA inspected the under-construction multi-storey school buildings at Mowb-II and Chimpu and also visited Division-IV and Abo Tani Colony areas, where residents sought concrete pavement roads for public convenience. Kaso assured the residents that the demand would be considered subject to availability of adequate land. He stressed that sufficient road width should be maintained to facilitate the movement of emergency and essential service vehicles, including fire tenders, ambulances, school buses, garbage collection vehicles and LPG cylinder carriers. Speaking to the media, Kaso expressed concern over the delay in completion of the Senkhi View Bridge near Senki Park, which is intended to provide an alternative route to the city through the Senki Park-Senkhi View area. He said the bridge would also serve as an alternative connectivity route in case of disruption on the Ganga Market-Chandan Nagar road. Kaso said several bridges had been taken up across the Capital Complex during his tenure as the local MLA and most had been completed. He questioned the delay in completing the Senkhi View Bridge despite an extension having already been granted to the contractor. According to the project details, construction commenced on August 1, 2022, with the original completion deadline set for July 31, 2025. An extension was subsequently granted, which is due to expire on September 20, 2026. Kaso said he had taken serious note of the slow progress and directed the PWD Capital Division-A officials accompanying him to pursue the matter and initiate the necessary documentation for placing a report before the state government for further action. The Senkhi View Bridge is expected to connect the NH-415 corridor from the Police Headquarters (PHQ) through Ganga village to the Senkhi View area, providing an additional connectivity route for the capital city.    

ITANAGAR, SEP 19: NITI Aayog member Dr Joram Aniya called on Governor Lt Gen K.T. Parnaik at Lok Bhavan here on Friday and held wide-ranging discussions on strategic planning, policy support, infrastructure and connectivity development and pathways for sustainable and inclusive growth in Arunachal Pradesh. The Governor said Arunachal Pradesh, with its natural resources, rich tribal heritage and strategic importance as a frontier state, required innovative and region-specific development solutions. He said NITI Aayog could play a transformative role by providing long-term vision, data-driven policy guidance and evidence-based planning suited to the state’s geography, ecological wealth and socio-cultural diversity. Such support, he said, would strengthen the state’s efforts towards the goals of Viksit Arunachal and Viksit Bharat@2047. Parnaik shared with the NITI Aayog member various initiatives being undertaken by the state government and Lok Bhavan in education, health, tourism and technology aimed at projecting Arunachal Pradesh at the national level. He sought NITI Aayog’s support in advancing these initiatives. Highlighting connectivity as a key driver of development, the Governor urged NITI Aayog to facilitate greater inter-ministerial coordination and support resource mobilisation for major infrastructure projects. He said investment in roads, digital networks, power, healthcare, education and border-area development would improve quality of life while strengthening tourism, trade, economic opportunities and national security. The Governor also highlighted sectors in which Arunachal Pradesh has significant potential, including hydropower, horticulture, organic farming, tourism, bamboo, medicinal plants and the green economy. He stressed the need to promote innovation, entrepreneurship, skill development, women-led growth and youth empowerment while ensuring that development reaches remote areas without compromising the state’s environment, cultural traditions and indigenous heritage.  

ROING/NAMSAI, SEP 19: Arunachal Pradesh State Food Commission (APSFC) Chairman Tarh Tarak and member Maji Chokar reviewed the implementation of schemes under the National Food Security Act (NFSA), 2013 with officials of the Food and Civil Supplies, Health and Family Welfare, Education and Women and Child Development departments at the Deputy Commissioner’s Conference Hall here on Saturday. Tarak appreciated the district administration and implementing departments for their preparedness and implementation of Centrally Sponsored Schemes (CSS) in Lower Dibang Valley. He stressed the need to create greater awareness about the powers and functions of the State Food Commission and said the commission was committed to reaching all parts of the state, identifying implementation-related issues and facilitating grievance redressal. He said issues raised during the meeting would be taken up with the state government. He also highlighted the government’s commitment to construct 364 kitchen sheds in schools for preparation of meals under PM POSHAN. Tarak said the commission was pursuing measures including revision of kitchen-shed construction rates, provision of kitchen utensils and LPG cylinders in schools and enhancement of cooks’ honorarium to improve implementation of the PM POSHAN scheme under NFSA. The chairman also highlighted concerns relating to food adulteration and the need to establish two food-testing laboratories in the state. He stressed the requirement for portable food-testing kits at locations where meals are served to beneficiaries and outlined the commission’s efforts in this regard. APSFC member Maji Chokar briefed the meeting on the jurisdiction, powers and functions of the commission, stating that it is empowered under the NFSA to monitor and review the status and implementation of food-security schemes at the grassroots level. ADC-cum-District Grievance Redressal Officer (DGRO) Lui Shiba, DMO Dr S.J. Mitapo, DRCHO Dr Raju Mena, DDSE Amih Lego, Child Development Project Officers (CDPOs) of Roing, Dambuk and Hunli blocks and SDFCSO Mudang Bagang apprised the commission of the status of various schemes and highlighted issues encountered during implementation. Meanwhile, the implementation of NFSA, 2013 and allied welfare and nutrition schemes was also reviewed at a meeting held at the Deputy Commissioner’s Conference Hall in Namsai on Friday. APSFC Chairman Tarh Tarak and members Ngasah Tangjang and Maji Choker, along with Namsai DC Lobsang Tsering, Assistant Commissioner, District Food and Civil Supplies Officer (DFCSO), District Medical Officer (DMO) and officials of concerned departments attended the meeting. The meeting reviewed key programmes including the Public Distribution System (PDS), Supplementary Nutrition Programme (SNP), Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana (PMMVY), PM POSHAN and Janani Suraksha Yojana (JSY). Discussions focused on beneficiary coverage, delivery of entitlements, implementation gaps and inter-departmental coordination, with emphasis on transparency, accountability and timely delivery of benefits to all eligible beneficiaries under NFSA and allied welfare schemes.  

BALEMU, SEP 18: The Arunachal Pradesh State Commission for Protection of Child Rights (APSCPCR) conducted an awareness and sensitisation programme on child rights at the border village of Balemu in West Kameng district on Friday. APSCPCR members Miti Libang and Honluk Lukham presided over the programme. In her keynote address, Libang stressed the overall well-being and protection of children and called for a child-friendly environment at home, schools and public places. She urged all stakeholders to take responsibility for protecting child rights. Lukham said the programme was organised at Balemu to strengthen the commission’s outreach to remote and border areas. He sensitised participants on the Right to Education, bullying in schools and the roles and responsibilities of teachers and caregivers. West Kameng Deputy Director, Women and Child Development Department, R.T. Deru highlighted issues including drug abuse, child labour and early marriage in the district and outlined departmental efforts to address them. Rinchin Megegee, Protection Officer, District Child Protection Unit (DCPU), Bomdila, spoke on juvenile justice and child labour laws and briefed participants on institutional mechanisms including the Juvenile Justice Board (JJB), Child Welfare Committee (CWC) and DCPU for protection of child rights. Clinic Psychologist at General Hospital Bomdila Kenju Pakam spoke on children’s mental health, emotional well-being and substance abuse. She urged parents to identify early signs of mental health concerns and shared relevant helpline numbers. CWC member advocate Ajit Sasusow explained provisions of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act and the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, while Balemu Police Station Officer-in-Charge Leiki Norbu sensitised participants on digital child protection, online safety and online gaming addiction. He also cautioned the public about the prevalence of online scams. Balemu Assistant Commissioner Dr Hage Atho said the district administration was taking proactive measures against the drug menace and appealed to the public to cooperate in creating a safer environment for children. On the occasion, Kalaktang Child Development Project Officer (CDPO) D.K. Thungon launched ‘Poshan Connect’, a nutrition-exchange initiative under the Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) Project Kalaktang. He said the initiative seeks to promote the exchange of food, home-grown fruits and vegetables among community members, drawing on traditional practices of tribal communities to improve nutrition and strengthen social harmony. The initiative will be carried out by field functionaries during Poshan Maah celebrations. To mark its launch, apples from Shergaon were distributed among guests and participants. Heads of departments in Balemu circle, PRI members, Gaon Buras, government and private school teachers, BRO personnel, ASHAs, Anganwadi workers, supervisors and Gramsevikas attended the programme.      

ITANAGAR, SEP 19: KISNA Diamond & Gold Jewellery has expanded its retail presence in the Northeast with the opening of its exclusive showroom at BB Plaza, opposite PYBBS Hotel here, marking the brand’s 167th exclusive showroom in India. The showroom was inaugurated on Saturday in the presence of Itanagar MLA and Advisor to the Minister of Urban Affairs, Land Management, Food & Civil Supplies Techi Kaso, Itanagar Municipal Corporation Mayor Likha Nari Tadar and KISNA East Zone Business Head Harsh Shah. As part of the launch, the company is offering a flat 35 per cent discount on diamond jewellery making charges and 20 per cent on gold jewellery making charges. Customers can also exchange old gold at 105 per cent of its value against purchases of diamond jewellery, subject to the applicable terms and conditions. The festive campaign also includes a pan-India Shop & Win lucky draw, with a car or scooter as prizes, besides double rate protection on gold jewellery with a 25 per cent down payment. KISNA Founder and Managing Director Ghanshyam Dholakia said the Itanagar showroom marked a significant milestone in the company’s expansion journey in the Northeast. CEO Parag Shah said the showroom would offer a range of diamond and gold jewellery collections along with festive offers and promotional campaigns. The launch also featured food distribution, a cleanliness drive in support of the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, tree plantation and a blood donation camp.